Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Congenital Dislocated Hip

Abstract

Thirty-one magnetic resonance studies were performed on 12 dislocated hips before and after treatment. T1-weighted image showed excellent view of the articular cartilage of the actebulum and the head, the pulvinar and the secodary ossification center. The labrum was clearly demonstated on T2-weighted image. The shape of the labrum could be divided into three types, the everted, hypertrophied and inverted labrum. The hip with one of former two types was easy to reduce the dislocated head by the Pavlik harness. The children with last type of the labrum had critical history of treatment. The shape of these labrums was confirmed by arthrographic studies. After surgery all labrums obtained a good congruity with the head and the thorn sign was pesented on weighted image.
By using appropriate choice of pulse sequence, TR, TE, MRI was a useful imaging modality for assessment of the clinically important soft tissues and cartilaginous structures of the infantile dislocated hip.